On June 5, 2016, the Bayanihan Foundation launched its newest initiative, the Community Power Giving Circle with a traditional Kamayan (Sumptuous Filipino Feast), featuring local dishes from Quezon and Bicol Provinces of Luzon Island. Hands are traditionally used in these communal feasts but utensils were also provided. NEXTGEN 2015 Fellow Jeselle Santiago and Bayanihan Foundation board member James Castillo introduced the Bayanihan Foundation’s youth-led Giving Circle, “Community Power.”

Jeselle Santiago announces the launch of the Community Power Giving Circle with Shirley Pintado (third from right); Alicia Santiago (second from right); and Jay Santiago (far right) looking on

What is a giving circle? A giving circle is a group of individuals who come together, pool charitable donations from its members and make collective decisions where to grant their money. The COMMUNITY POWER Giving Circle is one of the few active Filipino American giving circles in the US. The giving circle plans to be center among young Filipino Americans helping and giving to other young Filipino and Filipino Americans in the US and abroad.

Jeselle Santiago (sitting) connects electronically with James Castillo in Los Angeles (featured on the TV panel) to launch the Community Power Giving Circle

Both James and Jeselle are inviting other young Filipino Americans, ages 14 years old and up, to join the Giving Circle to tap into young people’s personal interests and their desire for engagement locally and globally. The giving circle will leverage their dollars to make significant difference in their communities.

Bayanihan Foundation board member Ted Kirpach urged guests and supporters to give generously to launch the giving circle. In 2015, the Bayanihan Foundation sponsored NEXTGEN Program of young Filipino Americans to travel back to the Philippines, learn about their roots and provide opportunities to help back home. Both Marc Butiong and Jeselle Santiago, NEXTGEN 2015 Fellows continue to be involved and wanted to engage young Filipino Americans both locally in Chicago and globally in the Philippines.

Would you consider donating to support the Bayanihan Foundation’s Community Power Giving Circle? The Bayanihan Foundation plans to raise $10,000 for the Community Power Giving Circle. The Asian American & Pacific Islander in Philanthropy (AAPIP) will match that investment dollar-for-dollar to the Giving Circle. The result? $20,000 to be invested in our local community on top of what the Giving Circle already raises and gives, along with the opportunity to get to know community members and organizations serving the needs of Filipino Americans in the US and around the world. This will maximize and double your donation for diaspora giving locally and globally! You can also donate securely online at www.fdnbayanihan.org

James Castillo, for co-chairing and spearheading the Community Power Giving Circle

Dyenina Donnelly

Rocky Valencia Hayes and John Hayes

Huong Nguyen of the Asian American & Pacific Islanders in Philanthropy (AAPIP) for welcoming the Community Power Giving Circle in its family of giving circles around the country and for providing $10,000 matching challenge grant for Bayanihan Foundation

Alicia Santiago, Jeselle’s grandmother for cooking the food

Delfin & Vivian Santiago, for cooking the food and hosting the event

Jeselle Santiago, for co-chairing and spearheading the Community Power Giving Circle